Telechronometer



Feb. 418, 1930. G. BABCOCK I TELECHRONOMETER Filed 001'.. 15, 1921 5SheetswSheet 2 Feb. 13, i930.

s. BABCOCK 'TELECHRONOMETER Filed cgt. 15. 1921 Feb 1%, w3@ Q BAQQCKTELECHRONOMETER Filed om. 15, '1921, 5 sheets-sheet 5 Patented Feb. 18,193() y UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GABBIBON BABCOCX, OF EVERETT,WASHINGTON, ASSIGNOR T AMERICAN TELE- CHRONOMETEB COMPANYTELECHBONOIETER Application led October 15, 1921. Serial No. 508,037.

My invention relates to means for meterlng and registering the number oftime units c onsumed by a flow of current in an electrical circuit, andis concerned particularly with a novel and improved form of reversalresponsive metering device of the type known under the trade name ofTelechronometer for measuring and registering the time units consumed bya message in a telephone system employing means for converting orsecurmg reversals of current flow and for applying them to the meter.

lVhile my present invention is particularly directed to a novel andimproved form of meter, especially adapted for use in telephone systemsand the manner in which it is employed in a system having periodicreversals of current flow over the calling line, it is not limited toemployment vin telephone systems,

or if employed in a telephone system, it 1s not limited to employment inthe specific telephone system,l nor to the particular' manner ofemployment i. e., method of connection and application, which I haveelected to describe in the following specification.

My present invention lwhich is' along the line of the invention 'set outin m co-pending application, Serial No. 476,712, led June 11, 1921provides primarily an improved operating element which, while compact ispowerful and of a simple and rugged character. The meter of my presentinvention employs two stationary operating coils of a novel form andarrangement, which, as in my above copending application, are connectedserially, one in each side of the line, whereby the circuit is balancedand the transmission thereby improved. The metering arrangement of mypresent invention` as in my co-pending application, makes surreptitiousor accidental shunting of the meter practically impossible. My presentinvention provides in addition to a novel and improved form of operatingelement a novel and improved arrangement of simple, compact, rugged andreliable character for registering the number of time units consumed bya conversation or connection.

Certain constructional features and arrangements of my presentinvention, which aims` to standardize a meter of the telechronometertype, are novel and important, and these together with such otherprovisions as have not been already set forth will appear from thefollowing detailed description, taken with an inspection ot' theaccompanying drawings, in which I have disclosed a particular embodimentof my invention in order to explain more fully to those skilled in theart how to construct and practice the same.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration o'f a telephone system,embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a face view (front elevation) of a meter embodying myinvention;

Figure 3 is a bottom side elevational view of the same;

Figure 4 is an end elevational view, partially broken away, to show themanner of mounting the meter;

Figure 5 is an enlarged face view with the cover or lid removed;

Figure 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view through the housing orcasing of the meter substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2 showingthe metering mechanism therewithin in elevation;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of the magnet holder employed;

Figure 8 is an ispmetric view of net;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the coil spool showing the arrangementand insulation of the coils thereon in section; and

Figure 10 is an isometric View of one of the magnet bumpers.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the system in which my invention is embodiedcomprises a calling sub-station A, called sub-station B, and connectingcord circuit C, located preferably at a central switchboard.

The calling sub-station A comprises -a transmitter 1, induction coil 2,automatic switch hook 3, receiver 4 and a suitable call bell 5. Inaddition, I provide a meter 6, having its coils 7 and 8 connectedserially in the two limbs of the subscribers line. The sub-station A isconnected by suitable line wires 9 and l() to line signaling andswitching apparatus in a manner, which will be the magdescribed more indetail as this description proceeds.

The meter 6, per se, which is shown in detail in Figures 2 to 10,inclusive, comprises a permanent magnet l1 of general rectangu- .larform havingvits opposite ends brought relatively near each other.` Theparallel arms 12 of a channel shaped pole piece 13 secured portions ofthe permanent magnet 11 are mounted in openings 15 in a magnet holder16, and'securely clamped therein as by means of suitable screws 17 orthe like (Figures 5 and 6) for the reception of which screws 17 suitableopenings 18 are provided. A pivot post` or spindle 19 forms the pivotabout which the magnet holder 16 is adapted for rocking movement, backand forth in accordance with the prevailing polarity in the coils 7 and8. The coils 7 and 8 surround the end or pole 14 of the magnet 11, andare embraced by the armsk 12 projecting from the opposite end or polethereof. These coils 7 and 8 are so connected and mounted in the linewires 9 and 10, that they tend to produce the proper polaritycumulatively to swing the magnet 11 about the pivot 19 to the positioncorresponding to the polarity impressed upon the lines 9 and 10.

The metering mechanism is enclosed in a housing or casing 20 comprisinga bottom casing portion 21, and an upper casing or lid portion 22. Theupper edge of the bottom casing portion 21 is flared out as shown at 23to provide a peripheral seat for a frame, or meter mechanism carryingplate 24, which is mounted in this upper flared portion 23 of the casingportion 21. Apertures 25 at the projecting ear portions 24 of the plate24 register with similar apertures in flanges or ledge portions 26formed integral withthe lower casing portion 21. The peripheral flangeor lip 23 is cut away to provide room for the apertured ears 25. Themeter is mounted upon a mounting board 27 or other suitable support bymeans of mounting posts 28 and suitable screws 29, the posts 28 havingupper reduced ends extending into the registering apertures in the plate24 and ianges or ledge portions 26 substantially as -shown in Figure 4.The upper casing portionor lid 22,* is provided with a skirt 30 'whichcovers the upper iared edge 23 of the bottom 21. vThe lid 22 is providedwith an opening through which the indicating devices 31, and 33 may beviewed. A glass or other sultable covering 34ifor this opening isclamped inplace by means of suitable clamping arms 35 bolted orotherwise suitably secured to from the underside of the plate 24. A locknut 43 locks pivot bearing 41 in place. The coils 7 and 8 are'wound upona common spool 45 mounted on a bracket 46 which is fastened by screws 47upon the underside of the mount# ing plate 24. The coils 7 and 8are'preferably Wound and insulated as shownsin igure 9. They may,however, be wound and insulated in any other'desired manner.-

The magnet holder V16 is provided' vwithv a pair of ratchet pawls 50 and51 (Figures 5 and 6) mounted upon pins 52 which pins.

52 are in turn secured in openings 53 in the face 54 of the holder 16.The pawls 50 and 51 cooperate with a ratchet 56 fixed upon a shaft 57journaled at its'lower end in' a bracket member 58 secured to the frameplate 24, and at its oppositeend in the'frame of the indicating devices.The shaft 57 carries a pinion at its upper end through which pinion 85movement of the shaft 57 is trans-l mitted to the unit wheel 33.- Asuitable driving mechanism such as Geneva gears, or the like, transmitsthe motion, to the indicating devices 31, 32 to register multiples ofthe counts registered upon the unit wheel 3,3. The pawls 50 and 51 andratchet 56 provide an actuating device or escapement which requires twomovementsfor a complete registration of a unit, namely, pivotal movementof the 'magnet holdery 15. about its pivot19. to

one position -andthcreafter, pivotal movement of the magnet holder 15,about its pivot 19, to the reverse position, to register a count uponthe unit wheel 33. In other words, the ratchet 56 is advanced part wayby .the pawl 50 upon movement of the holder 16 in a clockwise direction(Figure 5) about its pivot 19 and the advance is completed by motion-,ofthe pawl 51 upon movement of the holder ina counter-clockwise directionabout its pivot 19. The magnet 11 is properly balanced by a balance rodor bar 60 extending through and secured .as by meansof a suitable setscrew 62 (Figure 5) in a lug 61 extending from one end of the holder 16..This rod is adjustable to bring two ends of the magnet on oppositesides of the pivot into balance. As the meter is mounted in the positionshown in Fig. 2 the adjustment of rod 60 isV able to bring the movablesystem to a balance. The driving mechanism between the shaft 57 and theindicating devices 31, 32 and 33 is mounted between a bottom plate and atop plate 66 secured together in the form of a frame by meansoflsuitable posts 68, which posts in the particular arrangementillustrated are riveted in the bottom plate 65 and carry the top plate66 at their upper ends as through suitable screws 69. The bottom plate65 is mounted upon the upper surface of the frame plate 24 as by meansof suitable screws 70, being spaced-from the plate 24 by means ofsuitable collars 70.

The front edge ofthe frame plate 24 is recessed or cut away along thedotted line 71, shown in Figure 5 and a terminal block 73 of bakelite orother suitable insulating material extends across and into the openingprovided, and is secured at its opposite ends, as by means of screws 72to the frame plate 24.. The terminal block 7 3 is provided with aportion depending into the cut away portion of the plate 24, a verticalflange 74 along its forward edge and a pair of conductor receiving lugs75 extending forwardly'therefrom. Terminal strips 76 mounted upon theterminal block 7 3 provide for connecting the coils 7 and 8 serially inthe two limbs of the subscribers line as vshown in Figure 1. vThe'forward reduced ends of the terminals 76 extend or are bent downthrough openings 78 in the block l73 to facilitate connection with theterminals of the coils 7 and 8. The' line wires 9 and 10, or terminalsthereof, are led in and out through the lugs 75 and connected to theterminal strips76, as by securing them beneath the screws or bolts 76'.

A pair of bumpers 80 and 81 secured to and depending from the frameplate 24 are provided for the magnet 11. The lower ends of these bumpersare bent back as shown at 82 in Figure 10, to securely grasp and hold apiece of felt, billiard cloth or other suitable padding 83 wrappedthereabout.

The shaft 57 carries a pinion 85 at its upper end through whichpinion 85motion is transmitted to the units wheel 33 and then to the wheels 32and 31 through the registering mechanism already described.

The calling subscribers line is provided with the usual line signal 90,controlled by a line relay'91, and also governed by a cut-ott relay 92as is well known in the art. Suitable terminals, such as the multiple-jacks 93, and the answering jacks 94, are connected to the line wires 9and 10, for the purpose of.

making a connection with central, or with another subscriber as may bedesired. The sub-station B of the called subscriber in the particularlsystem shown is provided with similar apparatus, the parts of which aredesignated by primed reference numerals corresponding to those of thecalling line. The sub'scribers lines are supplied. with current from acentral battery 95 which also supplies current for the centralapparatus.

The apparatus at the centralstation comprises a cord circuit having ananswering plug 96 and a ringing plug 97. The two ends ofthe cord circuitare separated by condensers 98` and 99, and the se )arate ends aresupplied with battery throug i the supervisory relays 100 and 101. Therespective ends of the cord circuit are provided with supervisorysignals 102 and 103 respectively, these signals being alsocontrolled bythe sleeve relays, 104 and 105 respectively.

The answering end of the cord. circuit C is provided with connections tothe operators talking set 106, through a suitable listening key 107, andthe ringing end of the cord circuit is provided with connections to aringing generator 108 through a suitable ringing key 109.

Current is supplied to the talking strands of the cord circuit upon theringing end, through a supervisory relay 101 directly, so as to provideuni-directional ow of current over the called line, and current issupplied to the answering end of the cord circuit through a timecontrolled current How reversing device indicated generally by thereference character 115 for securing periodic reversals of current Howover the calling line for operating the register 0r meter 6 at thesubstation of the calling party. The answering end of thecord circuitmay be provided with uni-directional current until such time as thecalled party answers if desired.

The particular pole changer device or current converter 115 illustratedis described and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No.508,038, tiled Oct. 15, 1921. Any other suitable pole changing devicevmay be employed. v

The pole changing device illustrated comprises two pairs ot compressionrheostats R1, R2 and R3, R'i between which battery 95 is connected overconductors 116 and 117. The terminals 118 and 119 of the pole changerlead to the talkinor strands 120 and 121 respectively, through thesupervisory relay 100. The rheostzits shown are of the carbon pile typewell known in the art. The resistance of these piles is lowered ordecreasedupon compressing the same, and is increased when the pressurethereupon is released.

One terminal of the battery 95 is connected with the lower ends of therheostats R1, R3. rlhe upper end of the rheostats R1 is connected withthe terminal 119 of the pole changer. The upper end of the rheostat R3is connected with the terminal 118. The lower ends of the rheostats R2and R4' are connected to the opposite terminal of the battery 95. Itwill' now beapparent that if the resistance of Isn hibit a strongpositivepotential while the terminal 119 will exhibit a strong negativepotential. If now -the pressure on rheostats R1 and R2 is relaxed orreleased and simultaneously the pressure onrheostats R3 and R*1 isincreased, the terminal 118 will exhibit a strong negative potentialwhile the terminal 119 will exhibit a strong positive pot!` ntial. Thechange from one potential to the other is performed without anyinterruption or abrupt change in the current flow.

A balance indicator 130 between the line and the battery enables theattendant to observe any out of balance condition in the rheostats, sothat the same may be readily adjusted to a balance as more fullyexplained in my last referred to copending application. To furtherassist in the adjustment of the rheostats, Iprovide a voltmeter 131 forindicating to theattendant the performance or operation of any of theindividual rheostats. A suitable switch 132 is adapted for connectingeither of the rheostats R1, R2, R3 or R4 individually across thevoltmeter 131.

The arrangement for actuating or compressing the pairs of resistances,comprises a pressure cylinder 135' for the rheostat R1, R2 and pressurecylinder 136 for the rheostats R3, R4. Piston rods 150 and 151'connected at their inner ends to suitable pistons within the cylinders135 and 136, respectively, are adjustably connected at 152 and 153 withrheostat actuating shoes 154 and 155. Actuation of the respectiverheostats is had by engagement of these actuating shoes with insulated'buttons projecting. from the lower ends of the rheostats. ,The supply ofcompressed air or other suitable motive fluid from a common supplyconduit 156 to the cylinders 135 and 136 is regulated by suitableadjustable pressure regulators 157 and 158. Conduits 166 and 167 provideexhaust outlets for discharging or exhausting the pressure from thechambers 135 and 136 while suitable i valve members 162 and 163 controlthe flow to and exhaust from the respective cylinders. The cylinders 135and 136 are provided with suitable pressure gauges 164 and 165respectively.

The adjustable connections 152 and 153 between the outer ends of thepiston rods and the actuating shoes 154 and 155 as well as the mannerwhereby the actuation of one pair of rheostats relative the other may bevaried by means of the regulators 157 and 158 and the degree ofactuation of any resistance relative the other of the same set adjustedis more fully expained in said companion application No. 508,038.

'lhe'lactuating arms 170 and 171 for controlling the valves 162 and 163respectively, are connected at their free ends to the opposite ends of alink 172, which link 172 is connected by a pin joint at its center tothe upper end of an actuating lever 17 3. A pair of bridging contactfingers 174 and 175 car# ried by the opposite end of the bar 173 areadapted for bridging terminals 17 6,k 177 and 178, 179 of a valveactuating circuit. The lever 17 3 is pivotally mounted centrally and isrigidly joined to a rocker arm 180. The rocker arm 180 is connected atits opposite ends through suitable links with the plungers or cores of apair of solenoids 137, 138. The

terminals 177 and 179 are grounded as shown at 181 v(Fig. 1). Thecircuits through the solenoid windings 137 and 138 are controlled by apair of time controlled relays 139 and 140. The windings of the relays139 and 140 are connected at one end of a battery 182 or yother suitablesource of current, which source is grounded as shown at 183. Thecircuits through the relays 139 and 140 are governed by a timecontrolled circuit controller, which includes a cam wheel 141 mounted,for example, on the second shaft of a standard clock and contacts 142and 143 which are 'alternately closed by engagement of the cam portionsof the wheel 141 therewith. The cam wheel 141 has two dwellssubstantially 180 degrees apart so that ,they

current of normal potential upon the line wires 9 and 10 energizing linerelay 91 and line signal 90 whereupon the operator makes a connectionwith the answering plug 96 with the line of the calling subscriberthrough the answering jack 94, thereby effacing the calling signal 90,disconnecting the line conductors 9 and 10 from the battery 95 by meansof the line relay 92 and applying the potential prevailing in thestrands 120 and 121 of the cord circuit employed.

The normal current in the line wires 9 and 10 moves the magnet 11 of thetelechronometer 6 about its pivot 19 in one direction. A reversal ofcurrent in the lines 9, 10 causes the magnet 11 to move about its pivot19 in the opposite direction, thereby completing the cycle of operationnecessary to make the registration on the telechronometer 6.

The operator at central, connects her` talking sets 106 and receives theorder for connection from the subscriber A whereupon she selects themultiple jack 190 of the called subscriber B and makes connectionthereto with the ringing plug 97, applying ringing current by means ofthe key 109 and generator 108. As soon as the called subscriber Banswers, the supervisor signal 103 is etfaced and the parties carry ontheir conversation. Meanwhile, periodical reversals of current areoccurring on the calling line, these cycles of reversals beingregistered as counts upon the meter 6.

Movement of the permanent magnet 11 about its pivot 19 to register thecycles of reversals as counts upon the meter is eifected as follows:

The arrangement of the pole 14 of the magnet 11 between the arms 12-12of the pole piece 13 at the opposite end of the magnet sets up, orcreates a magnetic field the lines of force of which travel in ahorizontal plane, Figures 1 and 5, between the arms 12-12 of the polepiece 13 and the pole 14 arranged therebetween. Then, according to theRight-hand rule well known in the n art when a How of current is set upthrough the coils 7, 8 in a counterclockwise direction, looking downfrom the top upon the meter as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the poles ofthe magnet will be moved upwardly, moving the magnet 11 in a clockwisedirection about its pivot 19. When the direction of flow of currentthrough the coils 7, 8 is reversed, i. e. set up in a clockwisedirection looking down upon the meter from the top as before, the polesof the magnet will be moved downwardly, moving the magnet in acounterclockwise direction about its pivot 19. The periodical reversalsof current flow occuring i on the calling line thereby cause successivepivotal movements of the magnet 11 about its pivot 19 first to oneextreme position, and then to the other extreme position. Upon pivotalmovement of the magnet in a clockwise direction, looking from the frontin Figures 1 and 5, the ratchet 56 is advanced part way by the pawl andthe advance is completed by the pawl 51 upon movement of the magnet 11in a counter-clockwise direction, as has already been set out.

In the particular system illustrated, the calling party is charged forall of the time consumed in making a connection and consnmmating theconversation. It is to be understood. however, that the charge may befor only the time during which the connection between the parties isestablished. This may be accomplished by cutting the terminals of thepole changer into the talking circuit of the calling line through thecontacts of the superthe solenoid windings 137 and 138. The closing ofthese circuits is only momentary, suficient to operate the valves 162and 163 and set the connecting piece or bridge carreid by the arm 173for closing the other circuit. The operation of the valves 162 and 163in turn controls release of one set of rheostats and compression of theother set. A complete cycle of change of polarity occurring in thecalling line from positive to negative and back to positive or viceversa causes an actuation or registration upon the meter 6 at thecalling station.

It will now be apparent that as in my copending application the placingof the two coils of the telechronometer in the two sides of thetelephone line balances the circuit and secures better transmission andmore positive operation. Surreptitious shunting of the meter is madediicult by the double coil arrangement. The arrangement of these coilshas been standardized as have the other parts and the close spacing ofthe poles of the magnet maintained. The pivotal mounting of the magnethas eliminated the additional armature used before. In addition, animproved counter actuating arrangement has been provided. The magnetneeds very little iow to move from one extreme position to the other andthe entire meter is compact, powerful and of a simple and ruggedcharacter.

No springs for the pawls are employed since the placing of the meter inproper position permits the pawls to function properly by their ownweight.

I do not intend that the invention shall be limited to telephone systemsnor to use in connection with the particular current reversingarrangement described. Neither do I intend to be limited to the precisedetails of construction in the meter itself which I have shown anddescribed.

I claim:

1. In combination, a mechanism, a housing enclosing said mechanism, aframe plate within said housing, mounting means for the housing, saidmounting means including a post projecting through a portion of thehousing and into an opening in said mounting plate, a cover for thehousing, and a screw cooperating with said post and inaccessible whensaid cover is closed.

2. In combination, an enclosing housing, a frame plate within saidhousing, mounting means for the housing, said mounting means including apost having a reduced end portion projecting into the housing and intoan opening in the frame plate, said reduced end portion providing ashoulder for cooperation with the housing, a cover for the housing and ascrew threaded into the reduced end of the mountingrpost, said screwcooperating with the frame plate and being inaccessible when the coveris closed.

3. In combination, a magnet holder having a pair of openings for thereception of the legs of a magnet, said magnet holder carrying a pivotpost and a pair of actuating pawls mounted upon said holder.

4. In a device of the class described, a magnet holder, a magnet ofgenerally rectangular form having opposite legs carried by said holder,a pivot yfor said holder, a coil at one corner of the magnet forswinging same about said pivot, and actuating means on said holder.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 6th day ofOctober, 1921.

GARRISON BABCOCK.

